Aquaculture for all

Meet the farmerMeet the Farmer: Ademola Adetola

Catfish / Pangasius People +2 more

Ademola Adetola, a graduate of accounting from the University of Cape Coast, is the co-owner of AwoAde Farms, in Agoro Community, Ogun State, Nigeria.

by Multimedia journalist and fisheries reporter
Ruth Akinwunmi-King thumbnail
Ademola Adetola produces hybrid catfish in Nigeria

How long have you been farming for?

Two years.

What size is your farm and what species do you produce?

The farm is set in a three plots of land (180 m × 360 m) and I raise hybrid catfish for their reliability and strength compared to other species. I have three 30 m x 50 m ponds.

What sort of production system do you operate?

I use earthen ponds because they’re close to the usual habitat for the fish - this aids growth and makes them healthier.

Why did you decide to embark on a career in aquaculture?

I chose aquaculture because it is profitable and a means of creating a sustainable business for myself and to make a living and also give employment to the youths in Nigeria who are interested in aquaculture. Also, the risk factor is low when all things are done properly.

What’s your ultimate ambition in the sector?

My ambition is to expand and not just sell my farm produce during harvest but process some for export to other countries.

What’s your greatest challenge at work?

Capital: the business is capital-intensive and the more you invest the more your chances of staying in business and growing.

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement is that I was able to make a small profit in my first year of operation. A new entrant in the business is expected to incur a loss, or break even at best.

What piece of equipment would you most like to have on your farm?

Good pumping machines, so that we can dig more ponds, a fish smoking machine to start processing in a healthy way and a sealing machine.

What’s your favourite seafood dish?

Snails and tilapia.

Create an account now to keep reading

It'll only take a second and we'll take you right back to what you were reading. The best part? It's free.

Already have an account? Sign in here

Series: Meet the farmer

Three catfish farms and counting...

Omorinsola Giwa is the managing director of Mamijo Farms, a Nigeria-based operation which can produce over eight tonnes of catfish and over 10,000 fingerlings each month.

Assam’s aquaculture advocate

Nitul Chandra Das, a fish farmer in the Assam region of India, explains how a career in aquaculture completely changed his fortune, taking him from rags to riches.

Farming carp with convictions

Girdhari Mukhiya, who has served two jail terms and faced severe financial losses, has overcome the odds to become one of the biggest fish farmers in India’s Bihar state.